Curaçao vs Côte d'Ivoire: 2026 World Cup Group E Decider
On June 25, 2026, Côte d'Ivoire defeated Curaçao 2-0 in a FIFA World Cup Group E match at Philadelphia Stadium. Côte d'Ivoire secured second place in the group, advancing to the Round of 32, where they will face France or Norway. Curaçao, making their World Cup debut, was eliminated after needing a win to progress. Nicolas Pépé scored early, assisted by Yan Diomande.
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31-year-old Nicolas Pepe Becomes Second Oldest Ivorian Goal Scorer in World Cup History
In a World Cup group stage match, Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0, with forward Nicolas Pepe scoring both goals. At 31 years and 27 days old, Pepe became the second oldest Ivorian player to score in World Cup history, only behind legendary striker Didier Drogba (32 years and 3 months). Pepe played 67 minutes, recording 2 goals from 2 shots on target, a 93% pass accuracy, 1 key pass, and 2 interceptions. He also received one yellow card during the match.
虎扑 - 足球Nicolas Pepe Praises Yann Diomande's Unique Talent After Ivory Coast's Historic Group Stage Advance
Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 in the World Cup group stage, with Nicolas Pepe scoring a brace to secure their first-ever advancement from the group stage. Pepe, named Man of the Match, credited Coach Faé's inclusive rotation policy and empathetic leadership for the team's high morale and harmony. He noted that every player feels valued, contributing to on-pitch performance. Pepe also praised young teammate Yann Diomande for his unique talent and tactical disruption, calling it 'truly unique' and expressing gratitude that Diomande is Ivorian. The forward discussed his own physical recovery, tactical versatility across attacking positions, and the upcoming Round of 32 match in Dallas, where extreme heat will pose a challenge. The team plans to rest and adapt to high temperatures.
虎扑 - 足球Nicolas Pepe Reflects on Ivory Coast's Historic World Cup Knockout Qualification
Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 in the World Cup group stage, with Nicolas Pépé scoring a brace to secure the team's first-ever advancement to the knockout stage. After the match, the Man of the Match gave an interview in the mixed zone. Pépé expressed happiness and pride, emphasizing the collective effort of the team and coaching staff. He deflected personal praise, crediting teammates for his goals. When asked about the next opponent (Norway or France), he said it does not matter as the team must focus on each match. Pépé discussed his personal revival after missing the Africa Cup of Nations, his return to the national team following a resolved communication issue with coach Emerse Faé, and his role as a veteran leading by example. He refused to set limits on how far Ivory Coast can go, acknowledging the team's immense potential. When asked if his current form matches his Lille peak, he laughed and said he is not quite there yet.
虎扑 - 足球Ivory Coast Midfielder Urai Dedicates World Cup Advancement to Ivorian People
Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 in the World Cup group stage to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation's history. Midfielder Urai, who played 45 minutes, spoke in the mixed zone after the match. He dedicated the victory to the Ivorian people, expressed pride in the team's historic achievement, and stated the team is confident in defeating any opponent in the Round of 16, whether France or Norway. Urai praised head coach Emerse Faé's rotation policy and team management, highlighting the squad's unity and depth. He noted that the team overcame a competitive group that included Germany, focusing fully on the decisive match against Curaçao. Urai acknowledged surpassing the achievements of legendary Ivorian players like Drogba and Yaya Touré, attributing success to the harmonious team atmosphere.
虎扑 - 足球Nicolas Pépë Makes Historic Return with Brace After AFCON Exclusion
Nicolas Pépé, the 31-year-old Ivorian forward, scored a brace against Curaçao (2-0) to help Ivory Coast qualify for the World Cup round of 16 for the first time in history. This marks a remarkable comeback after he was left out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad following controversial remarks about other players' national team choices and Morocco's trophy record. Pépé faced racist online abuse and criticized the Ivorian Federation for its slow response. Despite the turmoil, he remained in contact with coach Emerse Faé, who noted Pépé has matured. Now fit and playing well for Villarreal, Pépé expressed joy and pride at the historic qualification, emphasizing team effort and his role as a veteran leader. Ivory Coast awaits their knockout opponent between France and Norway.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuIvory Coast Coach: No Preference Between France and Norway as Round of 16 Opponents
Ivory Coast head coach Fae addressed the media after his team defeated Curaçao 2-0 to advance to the World Cup knockout stage. He stated he and his staff scouted both potential Round of 16 opponents — France and Norway — by watching their group stage matches against Senegal and Iraq respectively. However, due to superstition, they avoided extensive preparation before securing their own advancement. Fae emphasized that picking opponents in football is pointless and that the team's focus is on doing their best regardless of who they face. He confirmed they will watch the France vs. Norway match together to determine their next opponent and then fully commit to preparation with the goal of reaching the quarterfinals.
虎扑 - 足球Ivory Coast Coach Emerse Faé Satisfied with 2-0 World Cup Qualifying Win Over Curaçao
Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé expressed satisfaction after his team secured a 2-0 victory over Curaçao, which qualified them for the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a post-match statement, Faé acknowledged that the performance was not flawless but emphasized the importance of the clean sheet for team morale and confidence. He credited the team's success to the growth of a young, hardworking squad with healthy internal competition. The coach urged the group to enjoy the victory and qualification, noting that recovery is easier after a win. The match took place as part of World Cup qualifying, and Ivory Coast advanced without conceding a goal.
RecordDick Advocaat satisfied despite Curacao's World Cup farewell defeat
Curacao's head coach Dick Advocaat expressed satisfaction despite his team's 0-2 defeat to Ivory Coast in their second Group E match, which ended their World Cup debut. Advocaat praised his players for working tirelessly against a higher-quality opponent, noting that with more luck they could have avoided conceding the first goal. He acknowledged the difference in individual quality, pointing to Ivory Coast's two wingers valued at around 150 million euros. Despite the loss, Advocaat remained optimistic about the future, highlighting the team's performance in their second and third matches at the highest level.
RecordIvory Coast Advances to World Cup Knockout Round with Victory Over Curacao
The Ivory Coast national football team secured second place in their group at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advancing to the knockout rounds after a decisive victory over Curacao. The Ivorians started the match strongly, and a powerful curling shot from double-scorer Nicolas Pépé sealed the win, ensuring their progression. The match highlights are available in a video on the WELT news website. The win puts Ivory Coast into the round of 16, continuing their campaign in the tournament.
Nachrichten - WELTPepé's Double Secures Ivory Coast's Historic First World Cup Advancement
Nicolas Pépé scored two goals to lead Ivory Coast to a victory over Curaçao, securing the three points that ensured the Ivorian national team advanced past the group stage for the first time in World Cup history. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the African football nation. The match highlights were made available by the source, kicker football.
kicker Fußball NewsIvory Coast Defeats Curacao 2-0 to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage for First Time
Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 in a World Cup group stage match, securing their first-ever qualification for the knockout stage. Nicolas Pépé scored both goals with brilliant moves in the 7th and 64th minutes, earning a rating of 7. Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré also performed well, with Sangaré providing an assist. Inter Milan striker Ange-Yoan Bonny struggled, rated 4, failing to hold up the ball and losing possession. Curacao's Juninho Bacuna and Joshua Brenet were rated 3 and 4 respectively, with Brenet at fault for the first goal. The match was played at an unspecified venue.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuIvory Coast Manager Emerse Faé Says No Preference for Round of 16 Opponent After Historic World Cup Qualification
Ivory Coast advanced to the World Cup round of 16 for the first time in four appearances by defeating Curaçao 2-0 on Thursday. Coach Emerse Faé expressed pride in the achievement, noting the team finished second in their group and avoided relying on third-place qualification. Despite a performance he described as more complicated than previous matches, Faé emphasized the importance of not conceding goals and securing the win. Looking ahead to the round of 16 on Tuesday, Faé stated he has no preference between Norway or France as opponents, asserting that to progress far, they must beat any team they face. He called on fans to celebrate and continue supporting the team with prayers for a deep tournament run.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuIvory Coast Celebrated After Historic First World Cup Round of 16 Qualification
Ivory Coast's national football team has made history by advancing to the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup for the first time, after previous group-stage exits in three appearances. The Elephants defeated Curaçao 2-0 to secure their place in the knockout phase, igniting celebrations in the Ivorian media. Key figures include coach Emerse Faé and winger Nicolas Pépé. The team faces the second-place finisher from the France-Norway group, likely Norway and Erling Haaland. Local outlets like Fraternité Matin, Abidjan.net, and the Ivorian Press Agency praised the disciplined collective and solid defense, highlighting the squad's youth (average age 25) and ambition to continue their run. The qualification marks a milestone for African football powerhouse Ivory Coast.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertIvory Coast Defeat Curaçao 2-0; Nicolas Pepe Wins Man of the Match with Brace
In a World Cup group stage match on June 26, Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0. Nicolas Pepe scored both goals for the Ivorian side, securing a brace in the match. Following his outstanding performance, Pepe was officially named Man of the Match by FIFA. The report originates from Hupu's football news section, citing the update via social media platform X.
虎扑 - 足球Ivory Coast Makes Historic World Cup Knockout Stage Under Coach Emerse Faé
On June 26, 2026, Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 in the third round of Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a historic first-ever advancement to the knockout stage. This milestone adds to head coach Emerse Faé's notable record since taking over: winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in a surprise title run, reaching the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and now leading the team out of the World Cup group stage for the first time in Ivory Coast's history. Faé has become a central figure in the recent revival of Ivorian football, delivering consistent results in major tournaments and elevating the national team's global standing. The match report, sourced from the Hupu soccer community and originally from social media platform X, highlights Faé's transformative impact on the team.
虎扑 - 足球Nicolas Pépé curls Ivory Coast into World Cup Round of 32
In a World Cup group stage match on June 25, 2026, Ivory Coast striker Nicolas Pépé scored a remarkable curling shot for his second goal of the game against Curaçao, securing a 2-0 lead. The performance made Ivory Coast's advancement to the round of 32 all but certain. The article, published by German news outlet Die Welt, highlights the decisive moment and includes a video of the goal.
Nachrichten - WELTIvory Coast Defeat Curacao to Reach World Cup Knockout Stages for First Time
Ivory Coast secured a historic 2-0 victory over Curacao in their 2026 World Cup Group E match on June 25, 2026, thanks to a brace from Nicolas Pepe. The win confirmed Ivory Coast's qualification for the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history. The match report is available to UK users only via BBC Sport. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Ivorian national football team, advancing beyond the group stage in a World Cup for the first time.
BBC SportCôte d'Ivoire Advances as Group Runner-Up, Will Face Norway or France in World Cup Knockout Stage
On June 26, in the final round of the World Cup group stage, Côte d'Ivoire defeated Curaçao 2-0, securing their advancement as the group runners-up. According to sports analytics firm Opta, this victory means the Ivorian team will face either France or Norway in the round of 32 knockout stage. The match result ensures Côte d'Ivoire continues in the tournament, though their opponent is yet to be determined between two major national teams. The news was originally sourced from X and reported by Hupu Football News, a Chinese sports community platform.
虎扑 - 足球Ivory Coast reach World Cup knockout stage for the first time, Curacao's dream over
Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 in their final Group E match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their first-ever advancement to the knockout stage. Nicolas Pepe scored both goals (7th and 64th minutes), becoming only the second Ivorian to score multiple goals in a World Cup match. Curacao's hopes of qualifying as a third-place team were dashed when Ecuador equalized against Germany in the parallel match. Ivory Coast finished as Group E runners-up and will face either France or Norway in the last 32 on June 30 in Dallas. The Athletic's writers analyze Ivory Coast's tactical approach, highlighting their effective use of cutbacks and wing play, and note that the team has now won multiple matches in a single World Cup for the first time.
Soccer - The AthleticIvory Coast Reaches World Cup Knockout Stage for First Time, Ends Curacao's Dream
Ivory Coast achieved a historic milestone by reaching the knockout stage of the men's FIFA World Cup for the first time, following a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curacao. Nicolas Pepe scored both goals for Ivory Coast, becoming only the second player from his country to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match. The win also marked the first time the Elephants have won multiple matches in a single World Cup edition. Curacao's hopes of advancing as a third-place qualifier were dashed after Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 in the other Group E match. Ivory Coast finished as runner-up in Group E and will next face either France or Norway in the last 32 on June 30. The Athletic's analysts highlight Ivory Coast's tactical strengths, particularly their use of cutbacks and wing play, as key factors in their success.
Soccer - The Athletic